Reality Report: Augmented and Mixed Reality

Samsung takes it to the cloud, HTC Vive gets untethered, future-proof VR headsets capable of human eyesight resolution and more all in this months Reality Report.

MAJOR INVESTMENT DEALS AND AR/VR TRENDS

Samsung Unveils Project Whare AR Cloud Service at annual software developer conference. With similar functionality to ARCore’s cloud anchors, Samsung released its version of the AR cloud titled Project Whare. The platform will enable multiple AR developers, devices, and users to access shared information and virtual assets placed in the real world. Read more at whare.io/

Facebook reorganizes Oculus for AR/VR’s long-haul. In a decision to shift from a divisional structure to a to a functional structure Facebook has reorganized it’s AR and VR team. While the changes are only internal and there were no reported layoffs this shift clearly highlights that Facebook believes Oculus could be running more effectively. https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/03/oculus-organization/

Apple acquires Spektral, a Danish computer vision startup, for Augmented Reality technology. Specializing in segmentation technology which makes for quicker and more realistic cut-out images in Augmented Reality environments, it is clear Apple is gearing for an AR-enabled future. https://techcrunch.com/2018/10/11/apple-has-acquired-spektral...

IBM files blockchain patent to build trust in location-based AR gaming. Location-based AR games such as Pokemon Go, especially when developed on a global scale, can err by connecting physically sensitive locations to highly desirable areas in virtual reality. The IBM patent aims to deter AR game players from intruding on undesirable locations. https://www.zdnet.com/article/ibm-patent...

NEW TECH…WHAT’S HOT

Virtual Reality breaks free with HTC Vive wireless adapter. Removing cables from the equation allows for gamers and developers to step directly into Virtual Worlds without the need for prior set up or lengthy cables. This is a big step in the right direction for untethered VR experiences and opens up a host of multiplayer options. https://www.digitaltrends.com/virtual-reality...

Vuzix will sell Blade AR glasses in November, retail bundle in 2019. Get excited the Blade Edge (commercial version) will begin shipping in the first week of November, followed by a January 2019 release of Blade General with retail packaging and accessories. https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/19/vuzix-will-sell-blade...

Google Lens Augmented Reality tool directly integrated into Google's new Pixel 3 phone. No longer a standalone app but a tool embedded into its other services such as navigation and images takes Augmented Reality one step closer to mass adoption. https://mashable.com/article/google-unveils-pixel-3...

Snap CEO Memo Confirms Spectacles Are First Step Toward AR Smartglasses. Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel is focussing on the core building blocks of Augmented Reality for the companies future in 2019. Aiming to bring together AR experiences and hardware that transcends the smartphone. With snapchat considered to be one of the few https://techstory.in/snap-ceo-smartglass-2018/

Google rebrands AR stickers to Playground with new animations. With integrated AR features in its new Pixel 3 phone camera Google has rebranded what it previously called AR stickers to Playground with a set of new 3D animations labeled as ‘Playmoji’s. Expect to see relevant content from Industry related players such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/....

Magic Leap’s Mica is a human-like AI in Augmented Reality. With natural facial expressions, Magic Leap is making believable progress on what could be the next ideal interface to human-centered AI that evokes natural reactions. The goal is to have realistic looking avatars that embody Amazon Alexa type smart speakers https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/10/magic-leaps-mica-is-a-human-like...